Happy New Year!
The beginning of another trip around the sun always brings a certain level of excitement, renewal and motivation. For me, this new year also brings gratitude and a sense of responsibility to you — the members of PRSA Georgia, the BEST Chapter there is.
It goes without saying that the last three years have been rough, but it’s important to acknowledge the impact that they’ve had on our Chapter. We couldn’t meet in person for so long, many of our members and volunteers had to step back, and we’re all exhausted. As a mom of two, I’m always exhausted, but this hit different.
We’re in a new place now, and I have hope and positive anticipation about where this year will lead our Chapter. At our annual meeting in October, I shared with you what my goals are for 2023. I want our Chapter to be relevant and reliable. I want you to be confident that we’re working to serve you following the mission of PRSA, to enable you to succeed at every stage of your career through a wide breadth of professional development, networking and leadership opportunities.
Our approach to 2023 won’t just be based on what I see as opportunities but what you as members told us you wanted in our latest survey. We heard a lot, including that you want to meet in person…but you also want to continue virtual opportunities. You want professional development that’s relevant to where you are in your career. You crave connection. We need to get OTP (we’re comin’ for you, Gwinnett).
In 2023, you can expect more in-person meetings to network, a regular place to meet with our trial membership at The Gathering Spot, and opportunities to gather as a whole Chapter at our Annual Conference in February and Awards Celebration this fall.
What keeps this engine chugging are our volunteers. Between our Board, Assembly Delegates and Committee Co-Chairs and Members, we have more than 60 members volunteering their time. We can always use more volunteers, so please reach out to me or our Chapter Administrator, Victoria Stanton, if you’re interested.
Speaking of Victoria, she’s been with us for more than a year now, and she’s implemented new processes and procedures that have helped us be more efficient and effective with our time and resources. If you haven’t yet met Victoria, please find her at our next event!
Lastly, I’d like to thank Lisa Tilt, our Immediate Past President, for her leadership in 2022. She steered us through a year of transition, serving as the steadying force we needed. I’m grateful for her friendship and guidance.
I look forward to seeing many of you throughout the year. If you have questions or ideas, please reach out! I’d love to hear from you.
Here’s to 2023!
Caroline Huston, APR
2023 Chapter President